TOKYO-July 15, 2015-Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ, NASDAQ: IIJI, TSE1: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, today announced the September 2015 release of a new type of cloud-based networking services, one that virtualizes the network functions and offers them to corporate customers on demand: the IIJ Omnibus Service (IIJ Omnibus).

The new service employs Software Defined Networking (SDN)(*1) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV)(*2) technologies to provide enterprise-class network capabilities as Network as a Service (NaaS). IIJ Omnibus uses the Network Processing System (NPS)-IIJ's proprietary development-as a gateway and provides Internet, security, Wide-Area Network (WAN), and other functions that customers' networks need as service modules. Using IIJ Omnibus, customers can enjoy asset-light access to the functions when needed, without having to own on-premises routers, VPNs, firewalls, or other network equipment. Thus, they can greatly reduce the overhead and costs of ever-more-complicated security measures and network operations.

(*1)Software defined networking (SDN): A technology in which the entire network is centrally controlled by software in order to dynamically configure the network.

Overview of IIJ Omnibus

IIJ Omnibus automatically generates instances of NPS in private domains in the cloud that are dedicated to customers and provides various functional modules via the NPS gateways. Through a dedicated online portal, customers can order the functional modules that they require, and configure and manage them at will. The only device installed on the customer's premises or locations is a single service adaptor unit that IIJ provides free of charge. Just by connecting the adaptor to their networks, customers can automatically connect to the central network and easily create WANs using the automated management function.

NPS

NPS forms the core of the customer's virtual network; IIJ's proprietary SDN orchestrator automatically generates an instance of the system in the cloud. The NPS instance is generated quickly after the customer places the order on the online portal, which enables the customer to start creating the network right away. Moreover, NPS flexibly accommodates expansions of the customer's network for its high scalability. The NPS cloud platform is physically distributed among multiple sites, so NPS is also effective as a disaster recovery measure for networks.

Online portal

The online portal of IIJ Omnibus has an ordering site where customers can add or cancel services; a control panel where they can configure, monitor, and manage services; and a support site where they can learn about maintenance and receive other information. All sites can be accessed through a single sign-on. Through the online portal, customers can contract for, configure, and manage all components offered as parts of IIJ Omnibus-NPS, the various functional modules, and the service adaptor.

Major Features of IIJ Omnibus

Enables on-demand access of just the features that are needed, when they are needed

The various modules supplied through IIJ Omnibus do not have minimum usage periods, and usage fees are prorated, so customers can implement the network functions they require and scale the network up or down at a low-cost, for only the number of days that they need. (Excludes fees for access lines.)

IIJ provides dedicated line, Internet, mobile and other access lines at a one-stop shop, all with multi-carrier support. IIJ also supplies multi-cloud connectivity functions that enable linkages with the IIJ GIO Service cloud service and other vendors' cloud environments. Customers can connect IIJ Omnibus functions to individual systems in the cloud or to their own networks. Via NPS, customers can integrate the operations of IIJ services to which they currently subscribe and the systems that they own in-house within the IIJ Omnibus service.

Provides a service adaptor free of charge

IIJ supplies the SA-W1 service adaptors installed on customers' premises at no cost. Settings are completed just by connecting an SA-W1 unit to a network, because the adaptor automatically downloads the software to provide firewall, L2/L3-VPN, DNS, DHCP relay, wireless access point, and other functions. Customers can rapidly build networks without incurring the costs of buying all these equipment.

(*) For more information on the SA-W1, refer to the following web page: http://www.sacm.jp/ (Japanese text only.)

Functions Provided and Plans

Due out starting September 2015

Functions

Descriptions

NPS

Virtually houses the various functional modules and processes communications among the modules

IIJ Global Solutions Singapore is dedicated to providing cutting-edge and reliable cloud service to clients. With the fusion of Japanese heritage and local vibe, we are looking forward to working with the best talents from all backgrounds.